As regional attention shifts toward the Iran conflict, analysts say Hamas has quietly strengthened its public authority across Gaza, showing new recruits, police presence, parades and steps to restore governance functions. Observers warn that plans for disarmament and an international stabilization force have lost momentum. The future depends largely on how the Iran conflict unfolds and whether proposed international troops are perceived as a buffer or a threat.
Hamas Quietly Reasserts Control in Gaza As Regional Attention Shifts to Iran Conflict
Hamas terrorists stand in formation as Palestinians gather on a street to watch the handover of three Israeli hostages to a Red Cross team in Deir el-Balah, central Gaza, on Feb. 8, 2025.(Getty Images)
Social media photos and videos suggest that Hamas has been quietly reasserting visible authority across Gaza as attention in the region turns to the conflict with Iran. Analysts and commentators warn these developments could complicate international postwar planning for the enclave.
Analysts Say Hamas Is Rebuilding Both Security And Governance
Michael Milshtein, a senior analyst at the Dayan Center at Tel Aviv University, said Hamas has used the past two and a half weeks not only to recuperate militarily but also to expand its presence in public life. He pointed to new recruits, police deployments and even parades in central Gaza as evidence that the group is reestablishing visible control.
"They are really making good use of them to establish their power in the public sphere, not just for military rehabilitation," Milshtein said. "Hamas is here to stay."
Milshtein added that Gazans report efforts to restore governance: police patrols are increasingly visible, taxation mechanisms are being adjusted, markets and mosques were inspected during Ramadan, and early steps toward rebuilding education services have been observed.
Postwar Planning Has Lost Momentum
Mukhaimer Abu Saada, a Gazan political analyst, said momentum around postwar plans for Gaza has largely stalled since the Iran conflict escalated. He told Fox News Digital that projects tied to a Board of Peace, a Gaza Technical Committee and talks about an international stabilization force have been put on hold.
Hezbollah terrorists are taking part in cross-border raids, part of a large-scale military exercise, in Aaramta, bordering Israel, on May 21, 2023, ahead of the anniversary of Israel's withdrawal from southern Lebanon in 2000.
"Everything with regard to Gaza has been put on hold," Abu Saada said. "Yes, Hamas has taken advantage of the current situation. They are not under the pressure that they were before."
How An International Force Could Be Perceived
Both analysts said that as global attention shifted to Iran, pressure on Hamas eased. They also suggested that Hamas may not view a proposed international stabilization force as a direct disarmament threat. Abu Saada noted that Hamas appears to welcome a force it believes would restrain Israeli operations rather than disarm the group, especially if contributing countries come from states perceived as less hostile.
Milshtein compared the idea to the Hezbollah-UNIFIL model in Lebanon: "Don’t even dream about starting to chase us, taking our weapons, and entering the tunnels. You need to protect us from Israel as well."
Outlook Depends On The Iran Conflict
Both analysts said the next phase will depend heavily on how the wider regional conflict evolves. Abu Saada warned that if the Iranian regime survives without collapse, Hamas may draw moral and political encouragement from that outcome, reducing incentives for disarmament or compromise.
Bottom line: Visible signs of governance and security activity in Gaza, combined with reduced international focus, have complicated prospects for immediate postwar disarmament and stabilization plans.
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